The Confessions

Watch the Frontline special on the Norfolk Four...after watching the video, has your opinion about plea bargaining changed?  How?  Under what circumstances is plea bargaining acceptable?

The Confessions

The Verdict O.J. Simpson Trial

Watch the following frontline special and answer the questions.

The Verdict

1. What impact did the media have on the prosecutions case (jury selection, witnesses)?

2. What mistakes did the prosecution make? (change of venue, portrayal of O.J., evidence, Furman)

3. What was wrong about the search that led to the glove? How did this piece of evidence lead to the verdict?

"mid-term" quiz

Study guide

Adversarial vs Inquisitional systems

Steps in the Trial Process (voir dire through verdict)

Court System – original jurisdiction-> appeals->state supreme-> US supreme

Jurisdiction of US supreme in cases originating in the states

Example: Gideon v Wainwright

Constitutional issues (6^th and 14^th)

State vs Federal crimes (102)

Felony vs Misdemeanor

Parties to crimes (principle, accomplices)

Checks and Balances

Amendments (1-10)

Arrest rates for certain crimes

Alternatives to incarceration

Drafting a Law Simulation

Using problem 2.3 as a template...create or rewrite a law to address a current issue you believe needs fixing.

Assignment #5

2.2 The Unclear Law pg 22

Drafting a Law Simulation - must work with 1-2 others on this assignment (dialogue)

Read pages 22-23

Assignment #4

Read the case of "The Apathetic Bystanders" (pg.13) and answer the questions that follow

Assignment #3

With a partner, complete Problem 1.4 on page 10.

Assignment #2

Shipwrecked Sailors

Read problem 1.2 (pg 6) and answer the questions that follow

Assignment #1

Read the syllabus on-line and bookmark the blog on your computer...I know, I know, you already have but I still need to say it. Send me a email with "read the blog" in the subject heading.

10 points

Syllabus

Nate Neil

Rm. C204

nate.neil@bend.k12.or.us

Course Scope and sequence

This is a survey course on the parts of law that most of us will experience in our lifetimes. This is an overview of law and the legal system, criminal law and juvenile justice, torts and civil law, consumer and family law, and civil liberties. We will also put on a mock trial case and experience the court room first hand.

Grading

This is a discussion and participation based class. You'll be expected to contribute regularly during discussions and with partners and in small groups. Expect weekly homework assignments, section quizzes and chapter tests. Grading will be based loosely on the following

Participation 35% A=90% <

Tests/Quizzes 25% B=80-90

Homework 20% C=70-80

Classwork 20% D=70 >

Homework

Due at the beginning of class

Excused absences - given the # of days plus one that you were absent to make up work

You are responsible for finding out what you missed.

Everyday you will need your book, paper, pencil. Come prepared to write every class

Expectations

Treat your fellow students and teacher with respect, and they will do the same for you.

Listen when others are speaking - give him or her your undivided attention and don't just wait to talk.

Be Responsible

Be in your seat, ready to begin work when the tardy bell rings

Bring supplies to class everyday.

All work must be made up in a timely fashion. Times to make up tests need to be prearranged either before or after school or at lunch.